Clear Lake student helped design the renovation of the Clear Creek Library

It is not common for a student to say that they have designed a part of their school.

Sixth-grade Berkeley Eden, however, can brag about the fact that he helped design the library remodel at Clear Creek Elementary School.

According to Principal Sally Duesenberg, Clear Creek Elementary School needed a redesign of its library, which had never been updated before.

“The process (of the renovation) started last year when we were talking about a remodel. It wasn’t updated and it was the original 1998, so it was time,” Duesenberg said.

Duesenberg said he was suggested about a library design challenge in a “makerspace,” a side room attached to the library, where students learn about building and practicing STEM skills. The design challenge was for fifth graders and was voted on by class mates.

Clear Lake innovation expert Emily Hill said the students used Tinkercad, a 3D modeling program, to create 3D models of the library of their dreams.

“The challenge was redesigning the library and based on the different classes we needed,” Hill said. “We wanted a comfortable seating area, we needed a nook to read. We obviously needed tables for meetings and then a bookshelf. The kids knew what had to be there and then they just had to design it Was.

“I wanted more space in the middle of the table because I didn’t have enough space,” Eden said. “Much better chairs because I didn’t like chairs.”

Eden had an idea in her mind for what she wanted with the library space of her dreams and enlisted some help with family members. Hill said there were six final designs for students to vote on but Eden won by a landslide.

“Most of my friends have just said I’ll vote for you, just tell me which design,” Eden said.

Eden presented his winning design to superintendent Doug Gee, where each piece of the library should be. Hill, who was in the room when Eden presented, said she detailed the details of each part and design.

“(G) asked some really good questions about things in relation to other things, like you think this reading nook right here would be a good idea,” Hill said.

Duesenberg consulted with Eden to choose the colors and how certain features would work within the library. Duesenberg said the remodel process began in early May and was being wrapped up with the books being returned to the shelf this week. Graphic decals will be added later on the walls of the library.

“It’s been fun, even if it came in stages. It’s been really fun to see it all in its place and now that we’ve unpacked all the books the fun really begins,” Duesenberg said. .

“It’s really exciting to finally see the furniture here. I’m really looking forward to seeing the teachers get out of their classroom, bring their kids here,” Hill said.

Eden took a look at the newly renovated room for the first time on Tuesday and said it was “really cool” to see the final product. The library will be open for parents to see during the parent teacher conferences next week.